Prison works and those found guilty of the very worst crimes should be given the toughest sentences. Yet, earlier this year, Keir Starmer’s government made changes to our sentencing laws that means thousands of criminals will be let out of prison earlier than planned.
A Mockery of Justice
As a result of these changes, a majority of criminals will now only serve a third of their full prison sentence. This is a total mockery of justice and a deep insult to victims.
When introducing these plans, Labour ministers repeatedly assured Parliament that those convicted of the most serious crimes would not be eligible. The Conservatives weren’t convinced, so we forced a vote in Parliament to make sure criminals like rapists would not be let out earlier.
In response, Labour and the Liberal Democrats opposed us, claiming that it wasn’t necessary. Now we know the truth.
Survivors Speak Out
This week we have heard directly from a survivor of the grooming gangs scandal that the perpetrators of those heinous crimes could actually be released early. Fiona Goddard, one of the bravest people I have ever met, received a letter from the Probation Service informing her about the potential early release of the monsters who abused her.
Fiona told me the assurances she and other victims were given were a lie. She’s right. But she isn’t alone.
Across Britain, the survivors of rape, child grooming, sexual assault and serious violence will have woken up to letters telling them that the men responsible for their abuse could now be walking out of prison potentially years earlier. Those survivors have gone through the trauma of a trial, seen the perpetrators convicted, and are now having to prepare themselves for the horror of seeing those same vile individuals walking down the street.
This shouldn’t be happening. In fact, the Conservatives warned the Government when they were changing the law that this is exactly what would happen - but they didn’t listen.
Short Sentences, Greater Risk
In too many cases, the initial sentences for the grooming gangs perpetrators were far too short. I can’t imagine Daily Express readers would be in favour of shortening their sentences even further. Not only is this a terrible experience for the victims, these dangerous individuals will be out on the streets again, putting more young girls and boys at risk.
The Conservatives believe in consequences. We believe that those who have committed some of the most horrific, vile crimes this country has seen should spend their lives behind bars.
It is not too late for the government to change course. I urge the Prime Minister to change his Bill to ensure that, at the very least, all rapists, paedophiles and child groomers are prevented getting earlier release.
